Histadrut to strike over unpaid wages

Sunday, February 25, 2007 |
by Staff Writer

Histadrut leaders are to convene on Sunday to discuss when to launch a major general public-sector strike.

The Histadrut, or the Israeli trade union congress, said the government and local authorities have failed to pay wages to tens of thousands of workers. It is reported 40 local authorities and 16 religious councils have delayed payment of wages in the last two years.

“After numerous Labor Court debates and following the Histadrut’s restraint, the labor federation is now entitled to resort to far-reaching measures to ensure the workers’ basic right to receive their wages on time,” a Histadrut spokesman said.

The strike is to affect the country’s airways, sea and train traffic, close government offices, municipalities and local authorities, the post office and military industries.

University students were ready to strike on Sunday, but are continuing studies after striking a deal with lecturers over the weekend. High schools, one the other hand, were closed throughout the country.

Attorney Nahum Feinberg, who represents a number of employers of large companies, said he supports the strike as part of the Histadrut's struggle to stop “the disgraceful practice of withholding wages.” He also said that of Histadrut strikes, “this one could not be more justified.”

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